(and boy oh boy, am I glad about this cuz it’s been quite the Wednesday, indeed!)
My sailor went on the grocery run with me this past weekend and he spotted this little gem at the Harris Teeter.
I’ve trained him well! 🙂
He’s a big Cab fan so that’s why it caught his eye.
I was totally down with grabbing it because I’ve grabbed a few other wines from Josh Cellars before and haven’t been disappointed at all.
So, we adopted it.
I’ll tell y0u what – this bottle is pretty heavy duty.
Not that wine bottles are flimsy or weak but this one just seems more substantial.
Like the contents really need to be protected.
We certainly weren’t disappointed when we uncorked it and poured it out.
Such a lovely, deep almost inky color!
On the nose, we were greeted with wonderful rich fruit and spicy oak.
The first sip was was delicious, all full of rich fruit, oaky spice, some vanilla and some smoke.
But, it’s not so tannic that it smacks you in the head – it’s subtle, and smooth, and approachable.
And very drinkable.
Very drinkable, indeed. 🙂
We enjoyed this Cab with grilled sausages, bell peppers, and some homemade Dutch Oven bread.
And some front patio time. 🙂
Cheers!
Talk to me: Do you like Cabernet Sauvignon? Do you prefer subtle Cabs or big, powerful, Napa cult cabs? Have you been enjoying the beautiful and slightly cooler summer or are you just patiently waiting for fall?
What a beautiful weekend we had! I hope you were able to enjoy it as much as we did. We spent most of both days outside and loving every minute of it. 🙂
I had planned on more than 8 1/2 miles but hey, I stopped and helped a guy PUSH HIS CAR at mile 7 1/2. Figured that counted for at least 3 miles worth of work. 🙂
Just supervising some yard work.
Lunchtime refreshment. Not too shabby!
Got my Spring planting on!
Our front patio. We’ll see how this green thumb business goes. *fingers crossed*
I am queen of Dog-Opoly! Rawr!
Taking grilled cheese to a whole new level. Om nom nom!
Happy doggy!
Yo.
beef bone > tennis ball
Mango BBQ Chicken! (recipe tomorrow!!)
Yummy! I’ll tell you all about it on Wine Wednesday! 🙂
Talk to me: What did you do this weekend? Were you able to enjoy the weather? Did you grill? Did you remember to apply sunscreen? 🙂
Let’s start with the whine.  That way I can end with the Wine. 🙂
Crossfit yesterday was full of highs and lows and I’m not talking about the weights I pushed around.
We were in the middle of DROM (dynamic range of motion) and getting ready to do some “imaginary sack” races. Â You know the kind – you PRETEND you’re stepping in a sack and then you race/hop off to the finish line. So, I stepped into my sack and got ready. Coach said, “GO!” and I hopped one hop and felt a pop in my foot and I stopped. Â Hop. Pop. Stop.
Cuss. A LOT!
Where’s Dr. Seuss when you need him?
So, I know I’ve mentioned that I deal with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Well, that’s the foot that popped. I’ve never felt anything like that before. I can’t believe how much it hurt. So, of course, I sat out the workout and went home shook it off and pushed through the workout because “taking it easy” and “Jennifer” are not synonymous. Perhaps I need to work on that.
So, now I’m resting it – didn’t go to CrossFit this morning 😦 – and icing it. I have a feeling this water bottle may become my new best friend. I really wasn’t in the market for a new best friend.
At this rate, I may have to change my blog name to “An Injured Runner.” Seriously, could I fall apart a little less, please?
Now, I’ll take the h out of whine and use it for the word – HAPPY!
I know. My emotions are a little all over the place.
Anyway, the point of the WOD yesterday was to build up to our 1 rep max on back squats, deadlifts, and strict press. And, in spite of my foot, I managed to set a personal best in all 3!
I back squatted 100# (up from 90#), deadlifted 140# (up from 120#!!!) and managed 65# (up from 55#) on the strict press.  Here’s what all of  that looks like:
I tried so hard to press 70# but I couldn’t quite get it. But, I will!
Okay, now for the WINE!
I love THIS kind of wine Wednesday. I love wine. I’m okay with Wednesdays in general. Fridays are better but at least it isn’t Monday!
empty bottle = delicious!
I found this gem at the Publix. That’s a grocery store, if you’re not familiar. I’d rank it with a really nice Safeway but not quite a Wegman’s. It cost $14.99. So, definitely reasonable. What made me look at it? The label, of course! Seriously, 2 rogue looking cherubs and some grape splatters in the name print? I HAD to pick it up!
This wine is a 50/50 blend of malbec and cabernet sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. The Colchagua Valley is pretty much smack in the middle of Chile and is one of the country’s best known wine regions. They regularly produce cabernets, syrahs, and malbecs with terrific results. Because the climate is always hot, the wines produced are usually full-bodied and have concentrated fruit flavors. So, basically, you’re looking at a slightly heavier tasting wine than a pinot noir with good fruit “chewiness” without being overly grape-y. It’s just the right amount. I mean, who wants to drink grape jelly?
Blending malbec (usually an inky, dark red with lots of fruit) with cabernet (not quite as inky with rich red fruit and berry flavors) is a delicious combination. YUM! This wine is big without being overpowering, has great fruit flavors that mellow into some oaky wood flavors that are just to die for. It will definitely be a great accompaniment with grilled meats, hearty pastas and stews and even spicy chilis. Om nom nom!
And, at $15, it’s practically a steal!
Find it, try it, and let me know how you like it!  Bottom’s up! 🙂
A Hungry Runner 